STATE RECLAMATION BOARD 

 John J. McColgan, Chairman 

 Mark S. Buff one, Entomologist 



Invariably, the ubiquitous mosquito familiar to many Bay-Staters returned 

 once again for its scheduled annual appearance. The annoyance and disease 

 potential associated with mosquitoes is a concern and a prime motivating factor 

 for mosquito control programs in Massachusetts. Also, the trend of people 

 moving outward into rural and suburban and wooded areas has resulted in many 

 requests by municipalities to pursue mosquito control protection. 



MOSQUITO MANAGEMENT FUNDING 



Nine regional mosquito control agencies under the aegis of the State 

 Reclamation Board implemented all currently available control tactics to battle 

 this pest. Nationwide these agencies spend at least $60 million dollars a 

 year to suppress the mosquito. In Massachusetts, the combined total efforts 

 of regional mosquito control agencies cost approximately 2.5 million dollars. 

 Also, a budget of $46,900 dollars covered the expenses of the staff of the 

 State Reclamation Board for administering and overseeing the work of the 

 state-wide mosquito operations this year. 



INTEGRATED MOSQUITO MANAGEMENT PROGRAMS 



The mosquito control projects utilize a variety of methods to reduce 

 mosquito populations. The methods practiced by mosquito control projects 

 involve the following actions. 



1. Surveys are conducted to search for immature mosquitoes or adults 

 to determine relative abundance and species. This activity locates 

 breeding areas of immature mosquitoes and resting spots of the 

 biting adult. This step is essential in determining the most 

 effective time to implement control methods. 



2. Source reduction work (a permanent non-chemical approach) eliminates 

 the water that the mosquito is dependent on whenever feasible. This 

 method may consist of cleaning road-side ditches, culverts, streams, 

 and removal of containers which hold water. 



3. Ideally, the primary method is larviciding. The immature mosquito 

 is abated while localized and confined in breeding areas before they 

 emerge as blood-seeking adults. 



4. Adulticiding is a method that focuses on controlling the flying adult 

 migrating into residential areas. A very non-residual contact space 

 aerosal is essential in reducing immediately nuisance mosquitoes and 

 provides protection during potential disease outbreaks. 



Many factors must be considered before determining which of the above 

 mentioned steps is best or acceptable for any given situation. For this reason, 

 the experience and expertise of mosquito control projects plays a vital role 

 in providing safe, economical, and effective mosquito control to the public. 



WEATHER AND MOSQUITO PRODUCTION 



In July 1981, weather conditions were favorable to management of mosquito 

 populations. The absence of precipitation prevented the usual legion development 

 and emergence of many of our common summer species of mosquitoes. Suddenly, in 

 true New England fashion, a dramatic change in weather conditions took place 

 during the spring and early summer of fiscal year 1982. Early spring rains and a 



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